53--SHIM
DEPT OF DEFENSE.DEFENSE LOGISTICS AGENCY.DLA AVIATION.DLA AV RICHMOND.DLA AVIATION · Response deadline: Mon, 26 Oct 2026
What the government is buying
DLA Aviation Richmond is procuring shims—thin, precisely machined pieces used to fill gaps, adjust alignments, or support loads in mechanical assemblies. Shims are common consumable items in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations. In defense aviation supply chains, shims typically meet strict material and dimensional tolerances to ensure airworthiness and compatibility with military platforms.
Because this is a Combined Synopsis/Solicitation, DLA has streamlined the process: the synopsis announcement and the formal solicitation are issued together. See the solicitation for the full specification, including material type, dimensions, quantity, packaging requirements, and any applicable military or aerospace standards.
Key facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) Aviation – Richmond |
| Notice type | Combined Synopsis/Solicitation |
| Solicitation number | SPE4A727T1527 |
| NAICS | 332119 – Metal Crown, Closure, and Other Metal Stamping Manufacturing |
| Set-aside | Small Business Set Aside – Total |
| Response deadline | October 26, 2026 |
| Place of performance | Not specified in metadata (see the solicitation) |
Who can bid
This opportunity is 100% set aside for small businesses under the Small Business Set Aside – Total program. To compete, your business must:
- Qualify as small under NAICS 332119, which has a size standard of 500 employees
- Be registered in SAM.gov with active status
- Have any required NAICS 332119 designation in your SAM profile
- Meet any additional DLA supplier requirements outlined in the solicitation
Firms with experience in precision metal stamping, machining, or aerospace fabrication are natural candidates. Prior DLA supply experience is helpful but not required; first-time DLA vendors should verify their SAM registration includes the correct CAGE code and that any required representations are current. See the solicitation for any mandatory source inspections, quality certifications (such as AS9100 or ISO 9001), or DLA-specific supplier approval processes.
How to put together a competitive bid
Understand DLA's pricing structure. DLA Aviation awards many contracts under fixed-price indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity (IDIQ) arrangements or single-award purchase orders. Review whether this solicitation calls for a one-time buy or a longer-term arrangement. Pricing should account for raw material volatility—particularly if the shim requires specialty alloys or stainless steel common in aerospace applications.
Confirm technical compliance. Shims for defense aviation often carry MIL-SPEC or National Aerospace Standard (NAS) requirements. Even minor deviations in thickness tolerance, edge condition, or material certification can render a bid non-compliant. Request any referenced specifications through DODASS or ASSIST if you do not already hold them.
Evaluate packaging and marking. DLA has detailed requirements for unit packs, intermediate containers, and shipment labels tied to the Military Shipping Label (MSL) and RFID mandates. These costs add up; build them into your price.
Assess past DLA delivery performance. If you have existing DLA contracts, check your ** Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System (CPARS)** ratings. Poor delivery or quality history can affect award decisions.
Submit through SAM.gov. Combined Synopsis/Solicitation notices typically require electronic submission; confirm the exact method and any required forms (SF 1449, representations and certifications) in the full solicitation.
Next steps
- Read the full solicitation on SAM.gov using solicitation number SPE4A727T1527
- Note the deadline: Responses are due October 26, 2026
- Download all attachments, drawings, and specification sheets to confirm your firm can fully comply before committing bid resources
View the official notice on SAM.gov →